Northern Ireland Travel Guide (United Kingdom/Britain and Ireland/Europe)

Introduction to Northern Ireland
List of Places to Visit in Northern Ireland
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Northern Ireland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Ireland
Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Ireland
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Ireland
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Northern Ireland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Northern Ireland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Ireland
Best Time to Visit Northern Ireland
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Ireland
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Northern Ireland
- Health in Northern Ireland
Getting to Northern Ireland: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Northern Ireland
Where to Go Next from Northern Ireland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, located in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a taste of traditional Irish cuisine, Northern Ireland has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

Here are some of the must-visit places in Northern Ireland:

Giant’s Causeway
Titanic Belfast
Dark Hedges
Dunluce Castle
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The Glens of Antrim
Ulster Museum
Castle Ward
Mount Stewart House and Gardens
St. George’s Market

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Northern Ireland has a rich history and culture, which can be explored through its museums and historical places. Some of the top attractions include:

Titanic Belfast - a museum dedicated to the famous ship that sank in 1912
Ulster Museum - a museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of Northern Ireland
Crumlin Road Gaol - a former prison turned museum that offers guided tours
Giant’s Causeway - a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site with a visitor center that explores the geological history of the area
Bushmills Distillery - one of the oldest working distilleries in Ireland, offering tours and tastings

Natural Attractions of Northern Ireland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

With its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountains, Northern Ireland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top natural attractions to visit:

Giant’s Causeway - a geological wonder consisting of hexagonal basalt columns
The Mourne Mountains - a range of mountains with stunning panoramic views and great hiking trails
The Glens of Antrim - a series of nine glens with picturesque villages and scenic views
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge - a thrilling experience that crosses a 30-meter deep chasm
Lough Neagh - the largest freshwater lake in the UK with opportunities for fishing, sailing, and water sports

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a variety of hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels of experience. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

The Antrim Way - a 35-mile trail that runs from Belfast to Lough Neagh
The Ulster Way - a 625-mile long-distance footpath that circles Northern Ireland
Castlewellan Forest Park - a mountain bike trail with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains
The Causeway Coast Way - a stunning coastal trail that runs from Portstewart to Ballycastle

Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and visiting attractions, Northern Ireland offers a range of activities and tours to keep you busy. Here are the top things to do:

Game of Thrones Tours - visit filming locations from the popular HBO series
Black Taxi Tours - take a tour around Belfast and learn about the city’s history and conflict
Whiskey Tours - visit distilleries and sample some of the world-famous Irish whiskey
Sea Kayaking - explore Northern Ireland’s coastline from the water
Golfing - play a round of golf at one of the many world-class golf courses in Northern Ireland

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Ireland

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary to visit some of the top attractions in Northern Ireland:

Day 1: Visit Titanic Belfast and explore the city of Belfast
Day 2: Take a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Dark Hedges
Day 3: Explore the Mourne Mountains and hike the Slieve Donard trail
Day 4: Take a Black Taxi Tour of Belfast and visit the Crumlin Road Goal
Day 5: Visit the Glens of Antrim and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Day 6: Visit Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle
Day 7: Visit Mount Stewart House and Gardens and St. George’s Market

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a thriving food and drink scene that combines traditional Irish cuisine with modern twists. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Ulster Fry - a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and sausages
Wheaten Bread - a traditional Irish bread made with wholemeal flour and buttermilk
Irish Stew - a dish made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables
Potato Bread - a bread made with potatoes, flour, and butter
Tayto Crisps - a brand of potato chips popular in Northern Ireland

Local Beverages

Guinness - a popular Irish beer
Bushmills Whiskey - a famous whiskey produced in Northern Ireland
Harp Lager - a popular Irish lager beer
Foster’s Lager - a popular Australian beer that is brewed in Northern Ireland

Where to Stay in Northern Ireland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, Northern Ireland offers a variety of options for accommodation. Here are some of the top choices:

The Merchant Hotel - a luxury hotel located in the heart of Belfast
The Europa Hotel - a historic hotel known as the “most bombed hotel in Europe” during the Troubles
Lagan Backpackers - a budget-friendly hostel in Belfast
Tara Lodge - a boutique hotel located near Queen’s University in Belfast
The Bushmills Inn - a historic hotel near the Giant’s Causeway

What to Buy in Northern Ireland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to bring back from Northern Ireland, here are some ideas:

Aran Sweaters - traditional Irish wool sweaters
Belleek Pottery - fine china and pottery made in Northern Ireland
Linen - high-quality linen products, including towels and bedding
Shamrock Jewelry - jewelry featuring the traditional Irish symbol
Whiskey - Bushmills or other local whiskey brands

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a rich cultural heritage that includes music, art, dance, and sports. Here are some aspects to keep in mind as you explore the country:

Music - Northern Ireland has a thriving indie rock and punk scene, as well as traditional Irish folk music
Festivals - Northern Ireland hosts a range of music, food, and cultural festivals throughout the year
Gaelic Sports - hurling and Gaelic football are popular sports in Northern Ireland
Religion - Northern Ireland has a predominantly Protestant and Catholic population, and religious and political tensions have often been at the center of its history

Best Time to Visit Northern Ireland

The best time to visit Northern Ireland depends on your preferences and interests. The summer months (June-August) are popular for outdoor activities and festivals, while the fall (September-November) is a great time to see the changing colors of the landscape. The winter months (December-February) bring lower temperatures and fewer crowds, while the spring (March-May) is a great time to see wildflowers and baby lambs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Ireland

To make the most of your trip to Northern Ireland, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

Try traditional Irish cuisine, including fish and chips, soda bread, and Guinness
Explore the natural beauty of the country, including the Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains
Respect the country’s history and culture, including the Troubles and religious tensions
Engage with the friendly locals and learn more about their way of life
Visit local markets and festivals for a taste of Northern Ireland’s vibrant culture

Don’t:

Make jokes about the Troubles or religion, as it could be seen as disrespectful
Underestimate the unpredictable weather, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities
Ignore the impressive art and culture of the country, including street art and traditional crafts
Forget to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the activities you have planned
Focus only on the tourist hotspots, and miss out on the lesser-known gems of the country.

Safety and Health

Northern Ireland is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always important to take basic precautions and keep an eye on your belongings. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Safety in Northern Ireland

Stay vigilant in crowded areas and keep your valuables out of sight
Be aware of local customs and sensitivities, especially in relation to religion and politics
If you’re driving, pay attention to the rules of the road, which can be different from those in other countries

Health in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a good standard of healthcare, but it’s still important to have travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies
Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling
Take care of your personal hygiene to avoid any food or water-borne illnesses

Getting to Northern Ireland: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Northern Ireland, depending on your starting point and budget. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Northern Ireland

Belfast International Airport - located 18 miles from Belfast
George Best Belfast City Airport - located 3 miles from Belfast
City of Derry Airport - located 7 miles northeast of Derry

Bus Stations Near Northern Ireland

Belfast Bus Station - the main bus station in Belfast
Ulsterbus - a major bus company in Northern Ireland, with routes throughout the country
Bus Éireann - a bus service that connects Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland

Other Options

Ferry - there are several ferry routes that connect Northern Ireland with Scotland and England
Car - if you’re driving, you can cross the border from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland, or take a ferry from the mainland UK

How to Get Around in Northern Ireland

Once you’re in Northern Ireland, there are several ways to get around and explore the country:

Car - driving is a great way to see the countryside, and there are several car rental companies available
Bus - there are several bus companies that connect major cities and tourist destinations
Train - Northern Ireland has a limited train network, but it’s a comfortable and scenic way to travel
Taxi - taxis are widely available in major cities and towns, and can be a convenient way to get around

Where to Go Next from Northern Ireland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Depending on your interests and preferences, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to consider after exploring Northern Ireland. Here are some ideas:

Dublin - the capital of the Republic of Ireland, located just south of the border
Edinburgh - the capital city of Scotland, known for its rich history and culture
Scottish Highlands - a mountainous region with stunning scenic views and outdoor activities
Outer Hebrides - a group of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland, known for their rugged natural beauty

Conclusion

Northern Ireland is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re interested in exploring its museums and historical sites, getting outdoors for some hiking and biking, or indulging in traditional Irish cuisine and local beverages, Northern Ireland has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.